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2 members (SKB, 1 invisible),
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Key:
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Forums10
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Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,199 Likes: 639
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,199 Likes: 639 |
Our HVAC man at my old office had over 20 Broncos in various stages of condition at his farm in Glennville.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423 |
Driving a thousand miles at a stretch in a short wheelbase truck makes you wish you wore dentures.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753 |
Driving a thousand miles at a stretch in a short wheelbase truck makes you wish you wore dentures. i went to college with a kid whose dad owned an insurance company - which was likely the only reason he could still get insurance in short order he totaled a Jag E type, a GTO and another car i forget- in response his dad bought him a Land Rover-this was back in the pre luxury days- that really slowed him down- he made one long trip in it and afterwards stayed much closer to home
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423 |
I drive a lot of miles. A Shooting brake can reduce fatigue, and add to the experience of going shooting. All while reintroducing the fun of driving in a spirited, yet comfortable, fashion. So, in addition to the joy of the shooting, you are adding in the delight of the drive. In a vehicle that pleases you in other ways as well. People fantasize about crawling over logs, fording streams, climbing mountains, etc. but in reality, turning around in a "UP carwash" is probably the toughest thing they'd ever do. And they aren't going to drive a 50K pick up there anyway. Most of today's 4WD vehicles are "Mall Crawlers", and the first thing people do is add low slung running boards so they can get in and out. Kinda defeats the clearance claims. Funny story, one of the "School Mom's" at my children's school drove an H1 Hummer. Pink of all things. On a slushy day, a truck passed her, and the backwash of slush covered her windshield. Her wipers couldn't move it. So, she stopped on the side of the road. I came upon her (all 5' of her) trying to climb her vehicle, waiting for the auto club. She couldn't reach the wind screen to clear the slush. Lotta good those planetaries did her. Mall crawler.  Going shooting is not a Roald Amundsen level expedition. I don't want to feel like I've been in a rock tumbler all night when I arrive.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753 |
I drive a lot of miles. A Shooting brake can reduce fatigue, and add to the experience of going shooting. All while reintroducing the fun of driving in a spirited, yet comfortable, fashion. So, in addition to the joy of the shooting, you are adding in the delight of the drive. In a vehicle that pleases you in other ways as well. People fantasize about crawling over logs, fording streams, climbing mountains, etc. but in reality, turning around in a "UP carwash" is probably the toughest thing they'd ever do. And they aren't going to drive a 50K pick up there anyway. Most of today's 4WD vehicles are "Mall Crawlers", and the first thing people do is add low slung running boards so they can get in and out. Kinda defeats the clearance claims. Funny story, one of the "School Mom's" at my children's school drove an H1 Hummer. Pink of all things. On a slushy day, a truck passed her, and the backwash of slush covered her windshield. Her wipers couldn't move it. So, she stopped on the side of the road. I came upon her (all 5' of her) trying to climb her vehicle, waiting for the auto club. She couldn't reach the wind screen to clear the slush. Lotta good those planetaries did her. Mall crawler. Going shooting is not a Roald Amundsen level expedition. I don't want to feel like I've been in a rock tumbler all night when I arrive. agreed - I put 30 to 40K a year on my 4Runner - other than driving in snow storms in 4WD - a hundred miles in real off road 4 wheeling would be tough year - and that is not running the Baja- mud, snow, logging roads maybe occasional fording a stream - plowed fields are the worst. And really - in most cases you drive in 2WD, 4WD is for getting out in case you get stuck, - get stuck in 4WD and you may be SOL even with a winch I had a friend who used to say most people with a SUV think off road driving is a gravel parking lot at the golf course  I do spend 9 - 10 hours a day behind the wheel several times a year. I find this vehicle comfortable, I like having some mass around me and I do need the room - but- if you take away one or two of those concerns - I would be in an AWD sport wagon - may still do that if we get down to one dog after these bird finders
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,243 Likes: 423 |
I'm a big fan of doing whatever you need to do to "find the joy" in every day living.
I've got about a dozen cars and trucks. So, any vehicle is just another indulgence. They pair well with shotguns.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,540 Likes: 328
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,540 Likes: 328 |
Clapper,
Great post, choosing the vehicle appropriate to the task at hand.
Much like our selection of guns. As we age I feel that comfort has to come into play, and for me it's been a VW turbo Tiguan, heated seats and all.
Karl
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,447 Likes: 278
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,447 Likes: 278 |
Osthaus, it would take more than less need for its features for me to change to another vehicle other than a 4-Runner. I can't find another truck that is more user friendly and also 21 miles per gallon. If my 4-Runner never went off road, I would still replace it with another one.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753 |
Osthaus, it would take more than less need for its features for me to change to another vehicle other than a 4-Runner. I can't find another truck that is more user friendly and also 21 miles per gallon. If my 4-Runner never went off road, I would still replace it with another one. my last one got 21 MPH until I took it in for the "tune up" at 160k - dropped to 15 - eventually got it back up to 18+, this new one has been consistent at 18.5 mixed, but mostly highway. Since I have never had a repair on one- i will skip the "tune up" this time
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 122 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 122 Likes: 9 |
Surprised no one has mentioned the Mercedes Sprinter van now available in AWD from the factory. In the past, they had to be converted aftermarket. Mercedes got smart and just integrated the aftermarket conversion (sourced from Australia, I believe). Personally I am in the Subaru Outback camp, but the vans are intriguing. Bruce http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-mercedes-benz-sprinter-4x4-first-drive-review
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